Six young female artists presented solo works at this year's FNB Art Fair. One was Bronwyn Katz, who works primarily with salvaged wire. Her presentation, Deur die Draad, is linked to ideas of fences and enclosures and the dismantling of social barriers and structures. At 24, she is the youngest artist at the fair.
Esther Mahlangu is known all over the world for her bold, large-scale paintings that reference her Ndebele heritage. Her latest work for BMW, a 7 Series signature car, is on show for the first time in South Africa. At almost 82, she is the oldest artist at the fair.
Katz asked Mahlangu ...You were among the first black women artists whose work I encountered at school. Yourself, Gladys Mgundlandlu and Helen Sebidi were among the few black women who featured in my art history textbooks. How did your art become noticed?
The BMW Art Car project gave me valuable global exposure. I was the first woman and first African invited to participate in the project with other artists like David Hockney, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Frank Stella.
The 525 BMW that I painted has traveled the world visiting respected museums, galleries and art fairs since 1991. It was exhibited in the British Museum in November 2016.As an artist with a long career, how do you balance your time between the studio and other areas of your life?
I love creating art and while I obviously spend less time in the studio than when I was younger I still try to paint every day. My time in the studio is affected by many studio visits and regular overseas trips and appearances that I do.
Where do you go and what do you do when you need time away from your work?
My studio is the place that I escape to and I've never considered creating art as work. Sometimes I wish that I was not so busy making appearances and travelling so that I could spend more time in the studio. But I love to meet and be inspired by new people.I'm proud of the fact that people recognise me for my contribution to promoting Ndebele heritage but I never wanted to be a celebrity. I'm glad my work is appreciated so much and that people all over the globe know and recognise me - this helps to promote my community and our culture.
What purpose does your work serve?
Art has always been an important part of Ndebele culture from the painting of our houses to the beading of our wedding blankets. I like the idea of people all over the world enjoying our cultural heritage and appreciating the things that my people have always found beautiful.
• The FNB Joburg Art Fair is on at the Sandton Convention Centre until September 10. Visit fnbjoburgartfair.co.za..